(USA TODAY) Alabama coach Nick Saban said Wednesday that safety HaHa Clinton-Dix has been suspended indefinitely for a violation of team rules. Saban refused to get into specifics, warning reporters not to ask what the suspension was for and saying he didn't know how long it would last.

"I'm going to be consistent," Saban told the media following Alabama's practice. "When guys get suspended, I never ever say what it's for."

Clinton-Dix is one of the most important defensive players on the nation's No. 1-ranked team. Though he has been excellent in pass coverage throughout his career at Alabama, he's also been a key run-stopper this season with 24 tackles. Clinton-Dix, a junior, is projected by many experts to be a first-round NFL draft pick in 2014 and is expected to turn pro after this season.Sophomore Landon Collins, a highly regarded backup, will assume more responsibilities while Clinton-Dix on the sidelines.

Clinton-Dix's suspension comes at a relatively good time for Alabama, which hits a soft part of the schedule in October. The Crimson Tide will play Georgia State this weekend followed by a trip to Kentucky, then will return home to face Arkansas and Tennessee before a bye week. The next big test for Alabama comes Nov. 9 when LSU visits Tuscaloosa.

Alabama, the two-time defending national champion, is 4-0 this season.